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What do I need to know?
For some civil cases heard in Melbourne, you can find records by searching for the surname of the plaintiff or respondent. These cases cover approximately the periods 1861–1893 and 1960–1966. These date ranges are dynamic, as the volunteer project to index civil case records for online searching is ongoing.
For the remainder of the cases, there is a two step process to locate a file.
The first step is to use the “find the index to civil case files” search to locate the relevant year of the Supreme Court Index to Cause Books (1842-1989), order the record for viewing and find the relevant action / cause number.
The second step is to locate the file in our collection. Use the year and action or cause number in the search below.
Next Steps
What are in these records?
- document tendered to serve a summons
- papers lodged by plaintiff or respondent
- papers from the trial or before the action (including the judgement).
What you won’t find in a Civil Case File
- trial transcripts
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples